Hillsdale Economic Development Opportunities Report December 2024
Available Properties in Hillsdale, MI
Nestled in the heart of southern Michigan, Hillsdale is a vibrant community that combines small-town charm with a forward-thinking approach to economic development. Known for its rich agricultural heritage, growing industrial base, and the renowned Hillsdale College, the city is a hub of opportunity and innovation.
Location, Location, Location
Hillsdale, Michigan’s strategic location makes it an attractive destination for businesses and industries. The city is situated near the Ohio and Indiana borders and offers easy access to major highways and rail lines, providing seamless connectivity to regional and national markets.
Within an hour’s commute, Hillsdale is easily accessible to many major metropolitan areas, including the Michigan cities of Lansing, Jackson, Battle Creek, and Ann Arbor, as well as Toledo, Ohio. Interstate 69 and I-80 can be reached in 30 minutes or less, and I-94 is just 45 minutes away. The city-owned Hillsdale Municipal Airport handles commercial air traffic with a recently upgraded 5,000-foot by 100-foot runway. Other nearby airports include Capital Region International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, and Toledo Express Airport. The city’s location enhances its appeal, allowing businesses to enjoy the benefits of a small community while staying connected to key commercial hubs.
Hillsdale’s schools are a vital part of the community, providing a strong foundation for the city’s future through quality education. The Hillsdale Community Schools district serves students from kindergarten through high school, offering a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and personal growth. In addition to the public school system, Hillsdale is home to Hillsdale Academy, a Kindergarten-12 private school known for its rigorous classical education approach. Beyond K-12 education, Hillsdale College plays a significant role in the community, offering higher education opportunities and enriching the intellectual and cultural life of the area. Together, these institutions ensure that Hillsdale’s students are well-prepared for future college and workforce success.
Hillsdale’s culture is deeply rooted in a strong sense of community and tradition. The city hosts numerous festivals, farmers markets, and community events throughout the year, celebrating its agricultural heritage and close-knit values. Hillsdale College enriches the local culture with its academic programs, arts, and public lectures that attract visitors across the region. The city’s commitment to preserving its history while embracing new opportunities creates a unique blend of past and present, giving Hillsdale a vibrant yet timeless character.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the scenic beauty of nearby Baw Beese Lake and the expansive state parks, which offer hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities. The city also features picturesque parks and recreational facilities, perfect for family gatherings and community events.
For those interested in history and culture, the Hillsdale County Historical Museum showcases the area’s rich heritage, while the vibrant downtown district is home to unique shops, dining options, and seasonal farmers’ markets. Additionally, local events such as the annual Hillsdale County Fair and various festivals celebrate the community’s spirit and traditions. With its blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and community events, Hillsdale offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Why Hillsdale?
From creative incentives to affordable real estate and industrial training, Hillsdale supports every aspect of business. The city is well known for its business-friendly operations that attract companies looking to expand. With low and stable tax rates and a solid economy, it makes sense that more businesses are looking to move here.
Various industries and several companies proudly call Hillsdale home, including:
- Hillsdale Terminal
- Bob Evans Farms
- DuPont
- Paragon Metals
- Mar-Vo Mineral Company
- Indiana Northeastern Railroad Company
Hillsdale has the resources to help businesses launch and thrive. Although a wide variety of assistance is available, some notable ones include employee recruitment and training programs to ensure employers have a skilled workforce.
Electric, water, and wastewater services are available through the municipally owned Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities, aiming to meet or exceed customers’ needs and expectations for reliable, economical, and environmentally responsible public utility services. Twenty-four strands of high-speed, dark fiber (with future triple redundancy) are available for commercial traffic in the Hillsdale Manufacturing and Technology Park.
Why not check it out? Call 517.437.6426 or stop by City Hall at 97 N. Broad St. to see all that Hillsdale has to offer.
Site opportunities include:
- 10 acres of retail space
- 90 acres of vacant land and commercial space
- 648 sq. ft. of retail space
- 2,356 sq. ft. of retail space
- 12,544 sq. ft. of retail space
Public Power and AMP
Public power utilities are not-for-profit, community-owned electric systems that work to provide the highest-quality, most reliable power to residents and businesses. They are part of the communities and focus on what is best for the people and businesses they serve.
American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) is the nonprofit wholesale power supplier and services provider for more than 130 Members in the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation, a joint action agency with eight Delaware municipal members. Combined, these Member municipal electric utilities serve approximately 650,000 customers. AMP Members receive their power supply from a diversified resource mix that includes wholesale power purchases through AMP and the open market and energy produced at AMP and Member-owned generating facilities utilizing fossil fuel, hydroelectric, solar, wind, and other renewable resources.
For more information about our Member communities and programs, visit searchampsites.com.